Arsenal's Bright Future: Predicting the Starting XI For The 2011-12 Season
Arsene Wenger is one of the most successful managers in the world, and many young talented players have realised their potential under him. Arsenal possess one of the strongest squads in the Premier League, and have the right blend of youth and experience.
The Gunners have suffered due to numerous injuries to key players at important times in the last few seasons, which has contributed to their five year trophy drought. Despite these setbacks, Arsenal have always qualified for the Champions League, and have been consistent in England and Europe.
The youth academy of Arsenal has churned out a number of talented players, who have been successful for Arsenal and there are some very talented youngsters who are currently playing for the Arsenal Reserves. In a year's time, some of them could stake a claim for a berth in the squad, and Wenger has shown that he believes in youngsters.
It is probably a little early to predict Arsenal's line-up for the 2011-12 season considering there are two transfer windows before the new season starts. However, this list will give an indication of Arsenal's bright future, and I will name some youngsters who will be in the reckoning for a berth in the squad.
Goalkeeper: Lukasz Fabianski
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Lukasz Fabianski is not an obvious choice for the goalkeeping slot considering the errors that he has committed in the past. But this season, he seems to have regained his confidence, and has been impressive between the sticks for the Gunners. There must have been a reason why Wenger trusted Fabianski to do the job even after his disasters, and it must have been Fabianski's skills in training.
He will have Wojciech Szczesny breathing down his neck, and errors from the shot stopper will see Szczesny jump ahead of him in the pecking order. But if Fabianski can prove his consistency over the season, he has a good chance of retaining the No.1 goalkeeping slot for the 2011-12 season.
Competition/Alternatives: Wojciech Szczesny, Vito Mannone, Manuel Almunia
Verdict: It will be tough to decide who will be Arsenal's first choice goalkeeper, but if Fabianski can play at this level for the whole of the season, it would be hard to dislodge him.
Left Back: Gael Clichy
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Gael Clichy is the longest serving Arsenal player on the current squad and is still pretty young. He is hugely experienced, and has the faith of the manager. Though he has made some mistakes in this season, he still remains Arsenal's first choice left back. Clichy should work on his defending and crossing ability, but he is an asset to the Gunners, and his runs down the left flank will trouble opposition defences.
However, he has huge competition from Kieran Gibbs, who is one of the most promising youngsters. Arsenal are fortunate to have two quality left backs in their squad, and both of them will get a number of matches to prove their mettle.
Competition/Alternatives: Kieran Gibbs, Armand Traore, Thomas Cruise
Verdict: Gael Clichy has a good chance of remaining the first choice left back for the next season, but Kieran Gibbs has shown his talent and will look to impress Wenger at every given opportunity.
Left Centre Back: Thomas Vermaelen
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Thomas Vermaelen was signed from Ajax in the last season, and has established himself as one of the integral members of the team. He is the leader of the defenders, and could be the captain of the side in the future. Vermaelen has all the attributes of a great defender, and Arsenal will hope he can continue his impressive form from the last season.
His absence (due to injuries or any other reason) will be sorely missed as he is Arsenal's best centre back. Vermaelen, also, has a knack for scoring goals and was the leading goal scoring defender in the previous season.
Competition/Alternatives: Laurent Koscielny, Havard Nordtveit, Gavin Hoyte
Verdict: He is Arsenal's most important player in defence, and is an assured starter for the Gunners.
Right Centre Back: Laurent Koscielny
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Laurent Koscielny arrived at the Emirates at the start of the season on a 8 million deal from Lorient FC. The youngster impressed Wenger, which made the manager sign him for Arsenal. The talented youngster has an excellent understanding of the game, and though he has made a couple of errors this season he is one for the future. He will be Arsenal's first choice defender alongside the impressive Thomas Vermaelen.
Koscielny will find it a little hard to adjust with the physicality and pace of the English Premier League, but with time, he has the attributes to be one of the best defenders for Arsenal in the future. Though Sebastien Squillaci brings in some much needed experience to the Arsenal squad, Wenger might opt for Koscielny, who could form a great partnership with Vermaelen for many years.
Alternatives/Competition: Johan Djourou, Sebastien Squillaci
Verdict: Koscielny should benefit from playing a lot of games in the current season. The lad has a lot of talent, and with experience, he can grow into an excellent defender.
Right Back: Bacary Sagna
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Bacary Sagna has been one of the regulars for the Gunners for the last couple of seasons, and has been one of the more consistent performers for Arsenal. He is excellent in the defensive aspects of the game, and is solid at the back. He has also improved the attacking facets of his game, but still needs to work on his crossing.
Emmanuel Eboue is Arsenal's other alternative, and he has also shown a lot of passion, when he has played for Arsenal. Both these players are experienced at the highest level, which is a great advantage for Arsenal.
AlternativeCompetition: Emmanuel Eboue, Havard Nordtveit
Verdict: Sagna is one of Arsenal's strongest defensive players, and will probably remain as Arsenal's first choice right back for the next season, as well.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Alex Song
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Alex Song has established himself as a starter for Arsenal with his impressive displays in the last year. Arsene Wenger showed a lot of faith in the youngster, and Song is proving his worth to the side. In the last season, he was one of the most impressive players for the Gunners, and made the holding midfielder role his own.
Though not the burliest of players, he boasts immense physical strength, and is the key to breaking up opposition's attacking forays. Song has improved his attacking play in this season and his superb goal against Manchester City is an indication of his improvement. He works hard throughout the match, and is a key component in the Arsenal team.
Competition/Alternatives: Emmanuel Frimpong, Craig Eastmond, Denilson, Abou Diaby
Verdict: He is one of Arsenal's most important players and is an assured starter in the defensive midfield role. He has also said he is very happy at Arsenal, and Arsenal supporters will see the best of him in the years to come.
Jack Wilshere: Central Midfielder
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Jack Wilshere is one of the most prodigious young talents in the world and Arsenal are fotunate to have his services. He has graduated from the Arsenal academy, and has risen through the youth ranks at an impressive pace. He became the youngest Arsenal player to make his Premier League bow at the tender age of 16, and has been touted as England's future by many experts.
Wilshere had an impressive loan spell in the latter half of the last season, where he impressed for the Trotters. He was impressive in preseason for Arsenal, which prompted Wenger to retain the services of young Wilshere for this season. Wilshere has not looked out of place in the physical Premiership, and has been nothing short of impressive this season. He has excelled in the Champions League as well, and has made a number of appearances this season. He is one of the brightest future players, and will form the core of the team in the years to come.
Competition/Alternatives: Denilson, Diaby, Ramsey
Verdict: Aaron Ramsey is another young player, who can be great in central midfield, but his injury has given Wilshere the opportunity in this season. This season's performance indicates that the English youngster should be a starter for Arsenal. Fabregas has said that he thinks Wilshere was better than him at his age, and that is surely an indication of the lad's impressive potential.
Cesc Fabregas: Central Attacking Midfielder
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Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is one of the most important members on the team, and is one of the world's best attacking midfielders. He has been at the club for seven years now, and has always played with passion. He is Arsenal's most creative player, and he creates a number of chances for the forwards. He was Arsenal's leader in goals and assists for the least season, and is the most inspirational player for the Gunners.
He joined Arsenal at the young age of 16 from FC Barcelona, and has grown into one of the best midfielders in the world under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger. However, he has not won any major trophies at Arsenal, which has frustrated him, while Barcelona have broken various records and won many titles. Reports suggested that he wanted to leave Arsenal in the summer, but Wenger persuaded him to stay for this season. It is unknown if he will move in the next season or not, and Arsenal supporters will hope he stays for many years.
Competition/Alternatives: Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Samir Nasri, Tomas Rosicky
Verdict: Fabregas may decide to leave London, if Arsenal do not win any major title, this season, but if he stays, it will be a great boon for Arsenal as he is their captain and most important player
In the next slide, there is an analysis of players at Arsenal who can occupy Fabregas' role in the future if the Spanish playmaker decides to leave Arsenal. There is also the possibility of Wenger bringing in an replacement from other clubs, but in my view, he might opt to promote one of his creative midfielders to occupy Fabregas' position.
Alternatives for Cesc Fabregas: Nasri, Wilshere, Ramsey and Rosicky
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Cesc Fabregas is one of the best midfielders in the world, and can unlock defences single-handedly with his creativity and vision. The departure of the current Arsenal captain would leave a huge void in central midfield, which should be occupied by quality midfielders. Here are four candidates who are presently at Arsena, who could fill the void left by Fabregas' departure.
1. Samir Nasri
Samir Nasri has been impressive this season, where he has predominantly played on the wings. He likes playing in the central attacking midfield role, which he occupied during his days at Olympic Marseille. Nasri is a player with superb talent, and provides quality to the line-up. He will also drift to the wing, and draw defenders out of position, opening up large spaces. It will be hard to replace a player of the quality of Fabregas, but Nasri has the potential to be as influential as Fabregas in the future.
2. Jack Wilshere
Wilshere has been playing deep in midfield in this season, and he has impressed in this role for the Gunners. But he is naturally an attacking player, and is comfortable playing in the central attacking midfield role. He is mentally tough, and can inspire the Gunners in times of adversity. He has the ability to control the midfield, like Fabregas, and could prove to be a success in that role. However, he is quite short, and could be marked out of the game by strong defenders.
3. Aaron Ramsey
Aaron Ramsey was touted to be Cesc Fabregas' replacement until he was injured by that terrible tackle by Ryan Shawcross in February. Ramsey has undergone an intensive programme to recover from the horrific injury, and will most probably be fit in November. However, the mental impact of that injury is yet to be known, and Arsenal can only hope that he returns to the level he was before the injury. He's got impressive vision and creativity and can replace Fabregas in the future.
4. Tomas Rosicky
Tomas Rosicky has been a faithful servant for the Gunners, and if not for all the injuries he had to endure during his time at Arsenal he would have been a more integral member of the team. He can play in the central attacking role as good as anybody else in the team, but it seems like Nasri is preferred over Rosicky in the absence of Cesc Fabregas.
Samir Nasri: Right Winger
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Samir Nasri is another young talent, who is showing his true quality under Arsene Wenger. He was signed from Olympic Marseille for quite a large amount, and he is impressing for the Gunners in this season. He looked good in the previous season, but he looks like a transformed player this year.
Nasri has immense talent and he can also still improve under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger. The versatile midfielder is comfortable in the centre or on the wings, and is growing into one of Arsenal's more influential players on the pitch. According to recent reports, Samir Nasri is likely be offered a new improved long term contract, which will be a boost for Arsenal.
Competition/Alternatives: Theo Walcott,Tomas Rosicky, Nicklas Bendtner
Verdict: Samir Nasri is one of Arsenal's best players, and he will be an assured starter, if he can be consistent for the Gunners. Nasri will assume the mantle of Arsenal's most creative player when Cesc Fabregas leaves Arsenal for Barcelona.
Andrei Arshavin: Left Winger
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The Russian midfielder has the potential to wreak havoc for the opposition's defence, and is undoubtedly a class player. He could prove to be the difference for the Gunners, like he showed in his debut season for Arsenal. However, he has not been in the best form this season, and seems to have lost his blistering pace, though his statistics show that he still remains an important goalscoring threat for the Gunners.
Andrei Arshavin has come under much criticism for his performances this season, but Wenger has declared his support for the midfielder, also hinting that he wants to tie down the Russian to a longer deal. Arshavin took a knock during international duty, and has not looked very sharp, but he will emerge from his slump and show his quality.
Competition/Alternatives: Samir Nasri, Tomas Rosicky, Carlos Vela
Verdict: Andrei Arshavin's current contract is not very long, and should he decide not to renew his contract, he could move on after this year. But that is only the worst case scenario, and it can be expected that Wenger will persuade his star midfielder to stay with the club. If he does stay at Arsenal, then he will be a starter for the club for his sheer potential to change the outcome of a game on his own.
Robin van Persie: Striker
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Robin van Persie is Arsenal's most talented striker and provides a lot of quality to the squad. He has been affected by various injury problems, which has greatly reduced his number of appearances for the Gunners. He can create goals out of nothing and has the creativity to unlock any defence.
He can shoot well with both feet, and is also an excellent set-piece taker. Arsenal have missed some penalties this season when Van Persie has not played, and he is their main penalty taker as well. Van Persie has been extremely loyal to the Gunners, and is presently the vice captain of the team. He brings with him an air of confidence which will lift the spirits of his team mates.
Competion/Alternative: Marouane Chamakh, Nicklas Bendtner, Carlos Vela
Verdict: Robin van Persie is Arsenal's best striker, and will start for the Gunners if he is fit. However, Marouane Chamakh has also impressed for the Gunners, which leaves Wenger with a hard decision to make.
Substitutes for Arsenal
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Arsenal are a squad which have a lot of depth in their ranks. These are seven players, who are likely to start on the bench for the 2011-12 season, and all of these players have shown that they have talent and can be brought on to add quality to the team. Wenger will rotate his squad to ensure they can remain fresh and produce their best on the pitch. Arsenal have always been hit by injuries to many of their players, and many of the players I have named below will get a fair share of games in the season.
1. Theo Walcott: Winger
It will be a tough choice for Wenger to use the Englishman from the bench, because on the basis of his recent improvements, he should be starting games for Arsenal in the near future. However, the quality of the Arsenal squad means that he might be left on the bench for some games. Walcott adds a lot of quality to the Gunners, and with his pace and finishing ability, he will be a danger to the opposition at all times.
2. Kieran Gibbs: Left Back
Kieran Gibbs is another player, who has graduated from the Arsenal academy, and though he is still not a starter for Arsenal, he has already got an international cap to his name. Gibbs is extremely talented, and Clichy will have to be at his best to retain his place in the starting XI.
3. Marouane Chamakh: Striker
Chamakh has had a marvellous start to his Arsenal career and has already scored six goals for the Gunners and also a number of penalties. He can play well as the lone man, and has adjusted to the pace and physicality of the Premier League.
4. Emmanuel Eboue: Right Back
The versatile Ivorian has improved a lot in the last couple of seasons after being booed by his own fans. He has won over the Arsenal crowd, most of whom are ashamed of booing him today. He deserves a place on the bench, because he is a utility player, and in times of injury he will be a solid back-up for the Gunners.
5. Wojciech Szczesny: Goalkeeper
Szczesny is one of the most talented keepers at Arsenal, and has expressed his desire to play for Arsenal regularly. Arsene Wenger does not want to thrust the youngster into the first team so early in his career, where every error that he makes will be scrutinized to a great extent. Szczesny will get his chances, and will challenge Fabianski to be the No.1 goalkeeper
6. Sebastien Squillaci: Centre Back
Squillaci was brought in from Sevilla in the summer, and has shown that he is a valuable addition for the Gunners. He brings with him a lot of experience, which will steady the ship. Squillaci is a good defender, who can be successful for Arsenal. But with age not on his side, he should settle for a role on the bench in the next year.
7. Aaron Ramsey: Central Midfielder
Aaron Ramsey is one of the most promising youngsters at Arsenal and has shown that he has the creativity to provide a spark from the bench. Ramsey and Wilshere will form the core of the team in the future, and he will play an important role in the 2011-12 season.
Squad Players for Arsenal
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There are a number of important players for Arsenal, who could not be included in this list, but that will play an important role in the season. They will get their chances when players are injured over the course of the season. In the next slide, there are some promising youth team players and reserves who could make the team in the 2011-12 season.
Denilson did not have a great last season, and as a result, he has dropped in the pecking order behind Abou Diaby so far this season. However, Wenger has a lot of faith in the talented midfielder, and he will get his chances in this season and the next.
Abou Diaby has shown glimpses of his brilliance, but has frustrated many with his inconsistency. He is a very talented player, but will need to improve if he is to retain a starting place with the emergence of Wilshere and Ramsey.
Nicklas Bendtner was impressive in the latter half of the previous season, when he showed his quality by scoring some vital goals for the Gunners. He has not played much this season due to injuries. At the age of 22, he still has room for development, and can be an excellent striker in the future
Johan Djourou has recovered well from his long term injury, and is presently getting games due to injuries to Vermaelen and Koscielny. The towering defender needs to improve a little more, but he does have a lot of potential.
Carlos Vela has not received enough matches in this season to showcase his potential, but was impressive in two substitute appearances against Braga and Bolton. Vela can play as a forward or on the wings. The Mexican's talent is undeniable, but he needs to be consistent.
Vito Mannone has been loaned out to Hull City for this season, because he had fallen behind in the pecking order. The Italian has shown he has the talent to be the No.1 in the future, and will be back, next season to fight for a place in the team.
Tomas Rosicky has been faithful to the Gunners, and provides a lot of quality to the Gunners. He has excellent vision and creativity but has been affected by injuries in the past. He is one of Arsenal's most creative players, but might not get a lot of playing time if Wenger decides to promote the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere over Rosicky.
Manuel Almunia will most probably part ways from Arsenal, because Wenger will not retain the Spaniard as the first choice for the 2011-12 season as well.
Armand Traore will return after a loan spell from Juventus at the end of this season. However, he will find it hard to break onto the team and might look for a permanent transfer.
Youth and Reserve Players Who Could Make the Squad
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Arsene Wenger has promoted a lot of youngsters from the academy to the first team in the past. They have been successful at the highest level under the tutelage of the Frenchman. The Reserves boasts an array of talents, and there are some players with immense potential who could make the squad for the 2011-12 season.
Goalkeepers:
Arsenal have already three decent young keepers in Szczesny, Fabianski and Mannone in their squad, and it will be tough for a keeper to break onto the squad, though James Shea is highly rated in the reserve team.
Defenders:
Havard Nordtveit, Thomas Cruise, Kyle Bartley, Ignasi Miquel, Gavin Hoyte
Midfielders:
Emmanuel Frimpong, Jay Emmanuel Thomas, Sanchez Watt, Henri Lansbury, Chuks Aneke, Samuel Galindo
Strikers:
Benik Afobe, Gilles Sunu, Wellington Silva
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